How do you turn on cruise control on a Lexus RX?
To turn on cruise control in a Lexus RX, activate the cruise control system, accelerate to your desired speed, and then set the speed using the appropriate control. You can adjust speed with the wheel or stalk, and disengage by braking or canceling. The exact controls vary by model year and trim, so some RXs use a steering-wheel button, while others use a stalk on the steering column.
Understanding both setups helps you engage cruise control quickly on most RX generations. This guide covers the common methods found in recent models and older trims, with safety notes to keep in mind while using cruise control on public roads.
Cruise control using steering-wheel controls (common on newer RX models)
In many late-model Lexus RX vehicles, cruise control is operated from the right side of the steering wheel. Use the wheel-mounted controls to turn the system on, set your speed, and make adjustments while driving.
- Turn on the cruise system: press the CRUISE/MAIN button or the dedicated cruise control switch on the steering wheel until the cruise indicator appears in the instrument cluster.
- Reach your desired speed: accelerate with the accelerator pedal to the speed you want to maintain.
- Set the speed: press the SET button on the wheel or use the +/- controls to lock in the current speed.
- Adjust while engaged: use the + to increase speed or the − to decrease speed; to resume a previously set speed after braking, press RES or use the resume function on the wheel.
- Cancel or disengage: press CANCEL, tap the brake, or press the OFF/MAIN button to turn off cruise control entirely.
These steps describe the common wheel-based setup. If your RX uses adaptive cruise control (ACC), you may also have distance settings on the wheel to keep a safe following distance from vehicles ahead.
Cruise control using a stalk on the steering column (older or some trims)
Some Lexus RX models still use a cruise control stalk mounted on the right side of the steering column. The following steps apply to those configurations.
- Activate the system: move the stalk to the ON position or press the ON switch at the end of the stalk until the indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.
- Accelerate to your desired speed: drive at the speed you want to maintain.
- Set the speed: push or pull the stalk to the SET/− position or press the dedicated SET button on the stalk to lock in the current speed.
- Adjust speed: use the stalk’s + or − function to increase or decrease the set speed; if available, use RES to resume the previously set speed after braking.
- Cancel or turn off: press CANCEL, lightly brake, or move the stalk to the OFF position to disable cruise control.
If your RX’s stalk behaves differently, consult the owner’s manual for the exact ON/SET/RES/CANCEL sequence for your model year and trim.
Safety considerations and tips
Crucial safety reminders apply regardless of which control method you use. Always stay attentive, keep a safe following distance, and be ready to take over steering if traffic conditions change. Adaptive cruise control can automatically adjust speed to maintain distance from vehicles ahead, but you should remain prepared to intervene. Do not depend on cruise control in rain, snow, heavy traffic, or on winding or unfamiliar roads.
Summary
Most Lexus RX models offer cruise control either via a steering-wheel control (common on newer models) or a stalk on the steering column (older trims). Activate the system, accelerate to a comfortable speed, set the speed, and adjust or cancel as needed. Always follow safety best practices and refer to your specific model year’s manual for exact control locations and sequences.
